The RFDS Local Hero Awards have launched across Queensland this week, calling out to those community members who have rolled their sleeves up, put their hands out, or stowed away their fears in an emergency to help the Flying Doctor carry out its lifesaving work.

Now in its third year, the RFDS Local Hero Awards give the RFDS (Queensland Section) an opportunity to acknowledge and thank those incredible good Samaritians, volunteers and fundraisers who go out of their way to ensure the Flying Doctor will be around for another 90 years.

RFDS (Queensland Section) CEO, Nino Di Marco, said he had been overwhelmed with the support the event had received in previous years, and was eager to see what other incredible stories of support and courage would emerge in 2018.

Last year nurse, Lesley De Landelles, from Jericho took out the award.

“Lesley’s commitment to her community and to the work of the Flying Doctor was truly inspirational, as were all of our nominees from across the state, and every year we see more and more of these incredible people being nominated by their family, friends and peers,” Mr Di Marco said.

“These are the people that make it possible for us to continue delivering care to more than 95,000 Queenslanders each year.

“I would also like to thank the major partners of the Local Hero Awards, Ergon Energy Retail, Seven Queensland and Queensland Country Life. Without their support, we would not be able to shine a light on the hidden heroes behind the Royal Flying Doctor Service.”

Ergon Energy Retail customers and employees have been supporting the work of the RFDS in Queensland for more than 17 years.

Executive General Manager of Ergon Energy Retail, Cheryl Hopkins said the business was proud to extend its support to recognise the outstanding efforts of regional Queenslanders through the awards.

“The RFDS is a lifeline for our regional communities; however they couldn’t do their work without the support of these hidden heroes,” Ms Hopkins said.

One of the Local Hero Awards finalists will be named the RFDS Queensland Hero for 2018 at the RFDS Wings for Life Gala being held at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane on July 28, where they will be presented with $5,000 to go towards improving health outcomes in their local community.